This weekend was the American President’s Weekend holiday, generally a busy time. This year was no different, I heard that the un-official number of skiers at the Whistler Blackcomb resort for today, Sunday 17th February was around 26000. Thats a lot of people, and getting up close to the record, which I believe is around 27/28000. Luckily the weather was amazing, with bluebird skies all weekend. There was a cloud/fog layer around mid-mountain on Saturday, but overall, great visibility, and I hope everyone wore some sunscreen. The snow was in tip top shape, we even had a decent 10cm or so of fresh for Saturday morning.
I personally ended up touring into Blackcomb’s back country, which was planned without even realizing it was a long weekend with big crowds expected. So we were very happy to have missed all the lift lines, and got some amazing runs on Spearhead Glacier, and Corona Bowl. I have attached some photos from Saturday at the bottom of this post. You can see more by going to the photo gallery, or simply click one of the photos and browse from there. In order to access this beautiful part of Whistler, you ride the lifts to the top of Blackcomb Glacier, then hike up (around 30 mins I think) to the top of Decker Glacier, or go a little bit further to the ridge line above Spearhead Glacier (which we did). From there you can do laps in the glacier with relative ease, most hikes are 30 minutes maximum, I think it was more like 20, but I didn’t time them, so am not sure. At the end of the day, we boot packed up a near vertical slope (not long though) to gain the entrance to Corona Bowl, which leads you back into the Blackcomb Glacier. I will be adding more photos later, once I get them, and will mark in the routes to make it easier to understand.
Whistler Blackcomb is experiencing a great season, the snow is great. I feel sorry for the people here this weekend, it was extremely busy, but I realize its hard for most people the get away when its not a long weekend. You really should make plans to get here when its not a holiday period in Canada or USA to truly experience the greatness of this resort.
Snow base is 244cm with clear skies and warm temperatures expected for the next couple of days. I should say hot really, because the alpine high for tomorrow is forecast to be +7 Celsius. Crazy to get that high, not good for the snow really, and completely opposite to the season so far. No snow of any significance is expected for this week, however there is possibility of a decent snowfall for next weekend.
3 responses so far ↓
1 Average Jane // Feb 19, 2008 at 7:16 pm
Great to hear that we can hike out of bounds to avoid crowds! I’d love for you to post the maps ’cause I’m definately going to head there on my next trip. I’ve only been skiing a few times so I don’t know my way around, but the skiing always looks so good out there! Why doesn’t everybody go there?
2 admin // Feb 20, 2008 at 10:59 am
I’m not sure how serious I should take you ‘Average Jane’ as your IP address tells me you made this post from within Whistler…..
However, for anyone looking into doing some touring in the Whistler Blackcomb out-of-bounds / backcountry regions then I suggest you buy the topographical Whistler Backcountry Map.
It is a waterproof / tearproof map that shows you the terrain, and also has a lot of ‘common’ routes marked on it. You can order the map online, or buy it locally.
Before you consider heading out of bounds, you SHOULD take an avalanche awareness course, buy the gear (transceiver, shovel, probe at the minimum - then learn how to use them) and then also travel with someone who has some experience with backcountry skiing, preferably locally.
Not everyone goes out there because it requires a lot of hiking, preparation and knowledge. You become responsible for your own safety, and rescue.
3 Average Jane // Feb 20, 2008 at 9:41 pm
You are smart my friend. However, I thought that perhaps some sort of disclaimer would be appropriate as there are many ill informed people who eye the backcountry and would love to head out there with the prospect of not having to deal with crowds. Great pictures though, must have been a great day! And hey…do you like the email address I left with my post?
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